BLOG

Justin Lebon and his fiancé, Michal Ott, are self-described homebodies who love a good game of Monopoly. 1

Since their usual board was one Lebon made in high school, and a few cards were missing, he wanted to create a new board as a Christmas gift to Ott that would celebrate their relationship. And then he decided to pop the question with the new board.

Lebon called on his friend, woodworker Mark Becker, to pitch his idea, and got to work on naming the custom properties. 2

Lebon worked mostly in Excel to create all of the properties and other cards. “The first thing I knew was that I could do something with the engagement ring and the luxury tax spot,” he told BuzzFeed Life. “I wanted to figure out how to make some kind of trap door underneath it, and it all came together while I was walking around work one day last November.”

Becker, who runs the Etsy shop Old Redwood, built the board in just over three weeks. 3

He used wood from an early 1900s icebox to create the board, and delivered the finished product to Lebon on Christmas Eve.

Naturally, the property names correspond to important places and events to Lebon and Ott. 4

The place names include the streets where they grew up, their favorite vacation spots (Maui and Napa got notable placements), and for the ultra-valuable Park Place and Boardwalk, their current apartment number and “Home Sweet Home,” respectively.

Lebon thrifted for the money and the special gold pieces and houses. 5

He lucked out by finding an unopened Monopoly game from the ’70s for the money, he told BuzzFeed Life. The gold pawns came from a vintage anniversary version of the game.

Using the full game for the proposal, though, required an extra step of planning. 6

Lebon planted a special proposal card on Chance, seven spots into the game. From there, he planned to get down on one knee and show off the game board’s trap door.

He used loaded dice, so that Ott would roll a seven and get to Chance on her first try. 7

When the big moment came, Ott fell right into Lebon’s perfectly-laid trap. 8

“She knew Mark was helping me, so she figured her gift was going to be really cool, but she thought it was going to be a world travel-themed board,” Lebon said; “When she opened it up and saw that it was about us, she was like, ‘No fucking way.’ I gave her the whole tour of the board and by the end, we were both crying.”

When Lebon lifted off the lid of the game to show her the money and playing pieces, Ott assumed a ring might be in there. Instead, Lebon nerded out and gleefully told her about how he made or found every part. “By the end, she didn’t think a proposal was coming. She had the dice in her hand the whole time, and when I finally suggested that we play, she rolled a seven.” Ott was excited to have landed on Chance — and still didn’t suspect anything until she read the specially made card. From there, Lebon got down on one knee and pulled out a long wire key, with which he popped open the trap door.

You can be damn sure Ott said yes to Lebon’s proposal. 9

The two are planning a destination wedding in Maui in 2017, one that Lebon said will “absolutely not” have a Monopoly theme.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Guide
08 Feb, 2024
In recent years, eco-consciousness has woven its way into the fabric of daily living, including milestone celebrations like weddings. For couples who are mindful of their environmental footprint, planning a wedding that aligns with their values is not just a wish but a significant aspect of their special day. We will explore the avenues available to those seeking to minimize waste and make environmentally considerate choices throughout their wedding planning process. From invitations to decor, and catering, there are numerous opportunities to make a wedding more sustainable without sacrificing elegance and personal style. Furthermore, we will delve into how the Mystical Entertainment Group plays a pivotal role in creating a sophisticated and eco-friendly atmosphere.
Countdown to 'I Do'
14 Jan, 2024
Embarking on the path to matrimony is a thrilling journey filled with love, joy, and a fair share of planning. A detailed wedding timeline is not just a schedule; it's the blueprint for your perfect day, ensuring that every petal and playlist is in place when you walk down the aisle. This guide lays out the critical milestones in the countdown to 'I Do', providing a pragmatic approach to what can seem like an overwhelming process.
Wedding Menu
07 Jan, 2024
Selecting the perfect wedding menu is an art, a chance to showcase your style and delight guests with a memorable culinary experience. From choosing dishes that reflect your love story to considering dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients, these insights and tips will help you create a personalized menu that satisfies the palate and adds a special touch to your celebration.
Audio/Video Rentals
21 Dec, 2023
Anniversaries are milestones to celebrate. For couples, professional audio/video rentals are crucial to capture and preserve those precious moments. Recognizing the significance of quality equipment in preserving memories is key to creating an unforgettable anniversary celebration.
Black Light Show
14 Dec, 2023
Weddings are a tapestry of moments, meticulously woven together to create an unforgettable experience. Among these, the incorporation of a black light show can transform the event into a realm of magical luminescence. This innovative approach not only enhances the visual allure but also adds a unique touch to the celebration.
Custom Photo Montage for a Graduation Party
07 Dec, 2023
Graduation: a momentous achievement representing hard work and dedication. A custom photo montage becomes a captivating way to showcase accomplishments and create an unforgettable graduation party experience. Personalized visual presentations leave a lasting impact.
21 Nov, 2023
A Quinceañera is a monumental event in a young woman's life, a celebration of her journey from childhood to womanhood. The décor, ambiance, and lighting all contribute to making this occasion truly magical. One way to add that extra touch of enchantment is through uplighting rentals. The strategic use of uplighting can transform any venue into a fairy-tale setting that makes the Quinceañera a dream come true.
14 Nov, 2023
When it comes to music shows, the auditory feast is just one aspect of the overall experience. Another equally vital component is the visual spectacle, and that's where confetti cannons come into play. These devices amplify the atmosphere, transforming memorable moments into unforgettable ones.
By John Macaluso 14 Nov, 2023
Lighting: What is the difference between intelligent lighting and uplighting?
07 Nov, 2023
Charity galas are often the epitome of glamour and elegance, offering an opportunity for attendees to don their finest attire while supporting a noble cause. However, capturing the magic of these sophisticated events can sometimes be a challenge. Integrating a photo booth into your charity gala not only provides a source of entertainment but also serves as a unique way to capture memories that last a lifetime.
More Posts
Share by: